Niagara Fails

A justice of the Niagara Falls City Court has been admonished by New York Commission on Judicial Conduct for mistreatment of a pro se litigant

Respondent asked Mr. Santana some basic informational questions about, inter alia, his employment, falnily and birthplace. Mr. Santana gave the name of his employer, but then said something in Spanish and indicated he could not understand respondent’s inquiry regarding the nature of his work. When respondent asked, “Where were you born?” Mr. Santana asked, “Como est’ Ms. Vasquez said, “Pardon me?” Respondent repeated the question, and Ms. Vasquez answered, “Puerto Rico.” Mr. Santana then stated, “Puerto Rico, yeah.”

Respondent thereupon stated: Okay. Go ahead, Mr. Koryl. I think he understands English. The last time I heard, I think Puerto Rico was bilingual.

Respondent did not inform Mr. Santana and Ms. Vasquez that no interpreter would be appointed and that the proceeding would not be adjourned.

 From the news release of the commission

 In 2013, Judge Merino presided over a summary eviction proceeding involving a Spanish-speaking native of Puerto Rico, who had limited proficiency in English. At the outset of the proceeding the judge stated that he would adjourn the proceeding so that an interpreter could be provided. However, after asking the tenant some basic questions, to which the tenant had trouble responding, the judge decided to move forward without an interpreter and ultimately issued a warrant of eviction.

The judge agreed to the sanction. (Mike Frisch)